Root Canals
Why do I need a root canal?
On the inside of your tooth is a bundle of connective tissue called the dental pulp which has blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics. It travels throughout the tooth in channels or canals. The pulp can become injured from tooth decay, fractures, or trauma. When the tissue inside of your tooth becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause your tooth to be painful, sensitive to hot and cold, tender to chewing, and swelling may occur when infection spreads to the neighboring jaw bone or soft tissue.
What is a root canal?
Root canal therapy uses specialized tools to remove inflamed and diseased pulp tissue within a tooth, allowing you to maintain the esthetics and continued use of your natural tooth. During your root canal treatment, the tooth will be completely numbed so you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. A small shield, known as a rubber dam, will then be placed over your tooth keeping it dry and clean. Using a dental microscope, a small opening is made in the top of the tooth in order to treat the dental pulp in the center of your tooth. Diseased pulp tissue can then be removed and the root canal system is disinfected with irrigants. A filling is then placed inside of the root to seal the canal system in order to prevent bacteria from reinfecting the root to allow for healing to occur. A temporary filling is then placed in the small opening that was created to help seal the tooth until you can return to your dentist for the final restoration. When you return to your general dentist, they will place either a permanent filling or crown in order to seal and protect your tooth and restore it to full esthetics and function. With the inside of the tooth cleaned and sealed, your toothache can be relieved, and infection that may have previously spread to the nearby bone or soft tissue will have a chance to heal.
What is an Endodontist?
An Endodontist is a dentist that has received at least 2 years of additional advanced training in root canal therapy. They are specialists who are experts at saving your natural teeth. Endodontists are trained in using state of the art technology such as CBCT 3-D imaging, ultrasonic instruments, and dental microscopes in order to provide excellent care quickly and comfortably. You were referred by your general dentist because they felt that you would be best served if you had your root canal treatment from a specialist.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
With modern advances, root canal therapy is comparable to any other dental treatment. You will receive local anesthetic to profoundly numb the tooth and surrounding area so that you don’t feel any pain during your procedure. For several days following your procedure, it is normal to feel some discomfort from having received local anesthetic, keeping your mouth open for an extended period of time, or from residual inflammation or infection in the area around the root that may take some time to heal.
What do I need to do after my root canal?
It is a good idea after your treatment to wait until any anesthetic or numbness wears off before you resume eating or drinking. Following your root canal, proper care is essential for the healing process. Proper care includes good oral hygiene and promptly following up with your dentist to permanently restore your root canal-treated tooth. Avoid chewing on the that tooth until your dentist places a permanent crown or filling on it. This follow-up care is important to avoid fractures developing in the tooth and to permanently seal the tooth to prevent bacteria reinfecting your root’s canals.
